2024-2025 University Catalog 
  
    Nov 21, 2024  
2024-2025 University Catalog

Data Science, BS


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: All Programs

Bachelor of Science in Data Science

Normal Time to Completion: Four Years

This program is offered on campus and online.

The Bachelor of Science in Data Science program provides students with the necessary skills to execute effective mathematical analysis in a variety of fields including finance, economics, biology, social sciences, business, and data science. Students will gain experience in programming for data compilation, powerful statistical analysis methods, modeling techniques and strategies, drawing data-based conclusions, and presenting compelling quantitative narratives. The Data Science program will prepare students to meet the challenges presented by extensive and complex data sources.

Students completing the Data Science degree need to be well-versed in mathematics, statistical theories, computer programming for data science, and the various computer systems and software applications used to collect, store, and process data for analyses, interpretation, and presentation.  Our students will gain experience in programming for data compilation, powerful statistical analysis methods, modeling techniques and strategies, drawing data-based conclusions, and presenting compelling quantitative narratives. Graduates of this program will be able to solve data analysis problems from a variety of different data sources including business activities, social media, and scientific instruments. There is a compelling need for ongoing innovation in data driven solutions to successfully compete in a globalized ever-changing world.   

To that end, students will choose from two concentration options: Big Data or Interdisciplinary Studies.  In the Big Data concentration, students will focus on learning and developing programming-based solutions to storing, mining, cleaning, filtering, and ultimately analyzing extreme volumes of data. Students choosing to concentrate in Interdisciplinary Studies will have flexibility in designing a program of study that crosses disciplinary boundaries. The student may develop a concentration under advisement to support their own specialized interests by completing 12 credits in relevant studies from other disciplines.

Bachelor of Science in Data Science Program Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to employ industry knowledge and relevant software, programming languages, and algorithms to gather, synthesize, organize, and prepare quantitative information. ​
  2. Students will be able to outline and illustrate secure data storage and maintenance processes and identify supporting tools.  
  3. Students will be able to analyze and model quantitative information by using appropriate mathematical, statistical, and algorithmic analysis procedures.
  4. Students will be able to purposefully and effectively express contextual, quantitative information to others.  ​  

Bachelor of Science in Data Science


General Education: 60 Required Credits


Liberal Arts: 24 Required Credits


  • History Elective 3 Credits
  • Ethics Elective 3 Credits
  • Social Science Elective 3 Credits
  • Performance, Written, or Fine Arts Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits

Math: 6 Required Credits


Science: 3 Required Credits


Open Electives: 15 Required Credits


  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits
  • Elective 3 Credits

Leadership Course: 3 Required Credits


Choose one of the following: 

Major Core & Concentrations: 51 Required Credits


Designated Writing Course: 3 Required Credits


Directed Electives: 12 Required Credits


(Four courses MAT 350 or higher or permission of the Academic Department.)

  • 300-400 Level Directed Elective 3 Credits
  • 300-400 Level Directed Elective 3 Credits
  • MAT 350-400 Level Elective 3 Credits
  • MAT 350-400 Level Elective 3 Credits

Concentration: 12 Required Credits


College to Career Core: 6 Required Credits


Total Program Credits: 120 Required Credits


Bachelor of Science in Data Science Electives


Two elective courses must be MAT350 and above. Course substitutions may be made with the permission of the Academic Department. 

Big Data Concentration: 12 Required Credits


Please note: the Big Data Concentration may be offered online.  Main Campus students should check with their advisor regarding this concentration. 

Interdisciplinary Studies Concentration: 12 Required Credits


  • Interdisciplinary Elective 1 (any level)
  • Interdisciplinary Elective 2 (any level)
  • Interdisciplinary Elective 3 (300-400)
  • MAT 490  - MAT Independent Study 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: All Programs